title: Complications of plasma exchange in patients with neurological diseases.
abstract: Plasma exchange has proven to be effective in diseases of established or presumed autoimmune etiology as well as in hyperviscosity syndromes and some rare metabolic disorders. Its application is thought to be relatively safe; nevertheless, severe complications may occur. We therefore analyzed the complications of 291 exchanges in 39 patients with neurological diseases. Minor complications developed in 4.8% and major complications in 2.7% of procedures, including one death. Severe infections and technical problems have been the most serious side effects, sometimes followed by organ failure or even death.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Neurologie, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Henze
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Prange
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Talartschik
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Rumpf
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D010951:Plasma Exchange / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011129:Polyradiculoneuropathy / Q000150:complications